Gigoló Americano

Bernthal isn't Gere, but he is every bit as handsome. And, since that day on Walking Dead when he shaved his head with his shirt off, he has been noticed by every woman with a television screen.

What I like about this series is the background on Julian supplied by the writers. It acknowledges the smarminess of lives of sex workers in a way that that upends the fantasy in movies. Sadly, most sex workers have endured enormous childhood abuse that teaches them how to turn off in intimacy. Because they couldn't trust the very people who were supposed to care for them as children, they learn at an early age just how unsafe it is to be themselves.

The first episode shows us exactly where Julian feels safe. He likes prison because he has food and shelter, and he understands the rules. If something bad is going to happen, he goes to his safe place. Freedom brings him a lot more problems. He isn't sure he can be free as a gigolo, but he knows he can make a living at it.

This series is about the vulnerable Julian. It has promise.

I think this is a show that'd be enjoyed better watching as a whole. The premise is pretty intriguing, I'd call it original but it's based off a movie of the same title. Basically you get what you expect from the trailer so it delivers on that end. It also gives off a modern day 80's aesthetic. I still think it could be better though, it's slow paced but when the next part of the story is revealed it doesn't feel worth the wait, almost like it's following a generic flow. Also not entirely invested in Julian which I think could help. Jon Bernthal often plays the same sort of character in all his roles but he's so great at it so no complaints there, and he embodies Julian really well. For everything that he's experienced in his life his character feels shallowly written, it dips it's toes at the deep stuff but never properly explores them, just glimpses and flashbacks of his memories; it'd be much more captivating drama. The premiere episode started off great, couple episodes in now and it needs to deliver on that. It's very promising, always feeling like it's building up to something and I'm hoping it delivers, hopefully not too late because it starts off really dark and promising and it'd be disappointing if halfway across the season it's still is...only just promising.

Update: Done with the show now and Jon Berthal does most of the heavy lifting, I think Lizzie Brocheré deserves mention too. It's a pretty decent show and it doesn't fluctuate so there are no lows but not highs either. The feeling you get at the beginning of the season is what you get through to the end. There are twists end turns, mystery, murder and love stories, but as much as I liked the characters I didn't feel as invested. It's a good watch but I can't think of anything to remember the show by. I loved the ending, not the most mind blowing but it felt believable and it leaves no loose ends or questions. I think it'll be better as a miniseries because of that, the writers could prove me wrong if it's renewed, but I can see season 2 feeling like a drag or just forced.

Another reviewer thinks they needed an actor that is good looking and women would want to sleep with...obviously a man. Well they found that man. Jon Bernthal is not only a fantastic actor, but he is extremely sexy and I love his looks. I would not turn him down and I doubt many women would.

I saw the original movie with Richard Gere, and in his day he was the right choice for the role. Jon Bernthal is today's right choice for this role. Give it a chance, and you will see what is so obvious to everyone else. This is a hard and gritty film to watch but Jon Bernthal and cast handle it well. Jon is very convincing at the beginning when he says he does not remember anything. I have always found his acting strong and convincing.

Great cast, solid story! Exceptional TV series! Can't wait for the next episode. Good character development as well. This has the potential to be a regular series. The main character has more than enough substance to carry the weight of the show as do the supporting roles! Its time to see the leading actor shine because his role in The Walking Dead was cut short.

Enjoy this roller coaster and hang to this RIDE. You won't be disappointed. Just wish the network would release the first two episodes in the same day. Gotta wait to see next week's cliffhanger. So grab your drinks and snacks for this new series from Showtime!

Please watch the first episode b4 making any rash comments!

Only reviewing it after the pilot, but it's dark, punchy, very interestingly paced and overall attractive. Camerawork and music are good, some moments where past blends with the present are especially notable because of that like the one In the second half of the pilot, where our protagonist is visiting his mother. It does sound like an interesting story, but it's also nice to watch. Hard to tell how it will develop further, but start is very, very promising. American Gigolo presents very specific, dark vibe that is lasting after you have finished the episode. I will follow this show and even if it loses momentum, I recommend watching the pilot for this very vibe.